Kristen Marie (Kawa) Caron, 42, of Marcellus, has become "the soft star that shines in the night". Kristen wanted her father to write this short biography knowing full well that some of it would be irreverent. Since Kristen loved poetry, some poetic license will also be taken. Kristen was a wife, daughter, granddaughter, sister, aunt, niece, cousin, friend and Mrs. Caron, the 9th grade English teacher at Lafayette High School. But, most importantly to Kristen, she was the mother of Madeleine Annemarie, age 10, and Ethan Pierre, age 8. Kristen was fond of saying "Dad, it's not the destination, but the journey". Kristen's journey started on March 3, 1971. Born during a snowstorm, she was almost named "Lacona", until more reasonable heads prevailed. Kristen graduated from St. Ann's Grammar School in Syracuse in 1985; from Corcoran High in 1989, where about 90% of the hockey team were her boyfriends at one time or another; graduated from William Smith College in 1993, and from The Newhouse School at Syracuse University in 1995. Kristen's journey also took her to Florence, Italy for a semester abroad, where she studied Art History, travel about Europe, learned a little Italian and perfected her wine tasting skills. Kristen's teaching career began at The Kildonan School in Amenia, NY, where she met her husband to be, Matt Caron, then to Richmond, Boston and finally to Lafayette High School, where she made every student feel like he or she was Mrs. Caron's only student. The journey included family summer vacations in Harwichport and Chatham on Cape Cod, Kristen's favorite places. Kristen married Matt in 1998. The journey continued with Madeleine in 2003 and Ethan in 2005. Madeleine and Ethan, when you read this later in your lives, know that your mother loves you unconditionally, even though she is not here, she will always be next to you. You filled your mother's life with pride and joy. A wrong turn off the journeyed road happened in July, 2010 when Kristen was diagnosed with ALS, so unfortunately, the journey became shorter and the destination closer, but Kristen was still using her communication skills through her blog "A Long Strange Trip". Kristen was a Boston Red Sox fan. The Curse of the Bambino was broken in 2004, but the Curse of Lou Gehrig's Disease continues. Kristen is survived by her husband, Matt, and children, Madeleine and Ethan, her parents, Sharon and Mike Kawa, her brother, "The Keeper of Secrets", Kevin (Karen) and nephew, Elliot. Kevin was constantly being admonished growing up by his older sister, "Kevin, don't tell Mom and Dad". The keeper did his job well. Kristen is also survived by her maternal grandmother, Helen Thibault Putnam; several uncles, aunts, cousins, friends, and former students. Kristen is also survived by Laurie LeFever, Kristen's twin sister that she never had, by her college roommate, Julie Bazan D'Angelo, who forced Kristen to attend all the fraternity parties at Hobart, and by her Dave Matthews co-conspirator/neighbor and friend, Kim Spitzer. Kristen was predeceased by her maternal grandfather, Roe Thibault, her paternal grandparents, Anne and Walt Kawa, and her aunt/big sister/confidant Karen Miles. We are sure that Karen is now showing Kristen the ropes, just like before.

Special thanks go to Lisa, Julie, and Annie; to the kind people of Hospice; to Mike, Linda, Bernadette, Patty, Karen, and Jill; to Dr. Sheffner and his staff at the ALS Clinic; to the nurses at 6E at Upstate, to all those who gave their time and effort for Kristen's fundraiser, "Carin for Caron", and to all the others who were a source of comfort during the past 3 .5 years. Do not stand at my grave and weep. I am not there, I do not sleep. I am a 1,000 winds that blow. I am the diamond glints on snow. I am the sun on ripened grain. I am the gentle autumn rain. When you awaken in the morning's hush I am the swift uplifting rush Of quiet birds in circled light. I am the soft star that shines at night. Do not stand at my grave and cry. I am not there; I did not die. Kristen, this isn't the way it is suppose to be, so you be the "soft star" and we will then be able to look up and see you every night. Rest in peace, Honey, your journey here has ended too quickly, but your suffering is done. Calling hours are Thursday from 3 to 7 p.m. at St. Michaels-St. Peters Church, 4782 W. Seneca Tpk. A Mass will be celebrated 10 a.m. Friday at the church.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: Hospice of CNY, 990 Seventh North St., Liverpool, NY 13088 or at ALSTreatUsNow.org